.JPG)
Summer in New Jersey is a wonderful time for outdoor events and celebrations. The days are long, the energy is high, and a backyard or venue in full bloom makes for beautiful photographs. But let's be honest — it can also feel like the sun is auditioning for a starring role.
If you're planning a Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, or other Jewish celebration during the warmer months, here are a few simple tips from a New Jersey event photographer to help everyone look their best.
This one sounds obvious, but it makes a real difference. Happy, comfortable people photograph better — and nobody smiles their best when they're thirsty or overheated. Make sure water is easily accessible for the whole family, especially the kids, before portraits begin. A few minutes of hydration and shade before the camera comes out goes a long way.
Midday sun in New Jersey summer is harsh — it creates unflattering shadows under the eyes and causes everyone to squint. Whenever possible, I recommend scheduling outdoor family portraits for late afternoon, ideally during the golden hour, the hour before sunset. The light is softer, warmer, and far more flattering. As a bonus, everyone will appreciate escaping the peak heat of the day.
A small towel or blotting paper tucked away for a quick touch-up before family photos can make a noticeable difference in the final images. This is especially helpful for formal portraits where you want everyone looking polished. It takes thirty seconds and saves hours of editing.
If you're still in the planning stage, pass this tip along when helping family members choose what to wear. Natural fabrics like linen and cotton breathe far better than synthetics in the heat. Light colors also reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, keeping everyone more comfortable during an outdoor session.
Here's the truth — some of the best Bar Mitzvah photographs happen when everyone stops worrying about looking perfect. A little sweat, a loosened tie, kids running around between shots — these are the moments that make the candid images so memorable. Relax, let them be kids, and trust your photographer to find the right moment.
A good photographer knows how to use shade creatively. Open shade — the soft, diffused light found under a tree or on the shaded side of a building — is one of the most flattering light sources for portraits, and it keeps everyone comfortable. When I scout a venue for a summer event, finding those shaded pockets is always part of the plan.
After photographing summer events across New Jersey for over 12 years, I've noticed something consistent — families rarely remember how hot it was. They remember the laughter, the dancing, and the joy of being together for a milestone moment. Great photography captures those memories, not the temperature.
So embrace the sunshine, enjoy the day, and let your photographer worry about finding the coolest spots and the best angles.
Planning a Bar Mitzvah in the Tri-State Area? I'd love to be part of your simcha.
.svg)
.svg)